Some might think selecting a new Chair for the National Trust is a process steeped in arcane ritual and opaque governance. Actually it isn’t, it’s pretty simple and transparent, explains Paul Roberts, Senior Member of the National Trust's Council.
Continue reading...Director's blog
Get behind the scenes at the National Trust with our directors and hear first-hand what's happening at our places and how we're making them special for ever, for everyone.


Over the coming months, the National Trust's Director-General, Hilary McGrady, will fill us in on what she's been hearing from supporters at the member events she's hosting across the country, and share more insights. You can follow Hilary on Twitter @HilaryMcGrady for more updates. Hilary will be joined in this blog by other directors from the Trust with their latest news.
Latest posts
15 Dec 2021
12 Oct 2021
AGM reflections: woozles, flapjacks and Jackie Weaver
Published: 12 October 2021
With our Annual General Meeting (AGM) coming up this month, Director of Communications Celia Richardson writes about the challenge and importance of healthy, open debate around institutions.
Continue reading...6 Sep 2021
Responding to our annual report
Published: 6 September 2021
Every year our annual report looks back on our performance of the previous financial year and forward to our future plans. In this blog, Chief Financial Officer, Peter Vermeulen, responds to the publication of our 2020/21 report and offers insight into our financial accounts.
Continue reading...11 Mar 2021
Responding to the Charity Commission's statement
Published: 11 March 2021
The Charity Commission has concluded today that that there are no grounds for regulatory action against us, following complaints the Commission received about a report we published last September. Director-General Hilary McGrady responds to their statement, and offers further insight into our approach to researching and sharing the history of the places in our care.
Continue reading...5 Mar 2021
Eager to open the doors to our much-loved houses
Published: 5 March 2021
Director of Operations Andy Beer highlights plans for reopening the houses we've had to close, and discusses how the hope of reuniting friends and families across our places makes difficult decisions worthwhile.
Continue reading...18 Dec 2020
How the Colonial Countryside project is helping children engage with history
Published: 18 December 2020
In this latest blog, John Orna-Ornstein, Director of Culture and Engagement addresses the debate around our work on the Colonial Countryside project, a creative writing and history project for school children.
Continue reading...16 Dec 2020
Reflecting on 2020 and your support throughout
Published: 16 December 2020
Membership Director Tom North looks back on a year like no other, and thanks supporters for staying with us throughout. It’s meant the Trust could keep on caring for the nation’s precious places, securing them for future generations, and was able to welcome many members back following a spring closure.
Continue reading...11 Nov 2020
Finding places of calm amidst a ‘culture war’
Published: 11 November 2020
After a year of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever for everyone to have access to green spaces, historical stories and beautiful places to find a sense of calm. These are the things we look after, for everyone to reach some normality. <br><br> Many cultural institutions have become the subject of fierce debate, moving discussions away from what the nation needs most right now: ...
Continue reading...6 Nov 2020
Reflections on a challenging year
Published: 6 November 2020
In June, because of the pandemic, we agreed with the Charity Commission to replace our Annual General Meeting with a members' broadcast. Below Director General Hilary McGrady discusses the challenges of the last 12 months.
Continue reading...28 Oct 2020
Our response to the Government's proposed planning reform
Published: 28 October 2020
Today, a consultation closes on the Government's proposed planning reforms, an area of great importance to us. Director-General Hilary McGrady outlines her thoughts on the proposals, and what this means for the future of nature, beauty and history.
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